Martinez signs bumper new Everton deal

Everton have confirmed that manager Roberto Martinez has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

Former Wigan boss Martinez was installed as David Moyes' replacement after the Scot left for Manchester United last summer. His new contract will take him to the 2018/19 season.

In his first season in charge, Martinez led Everton to a fifth-place finish with an exciting brand of football which earned his side a club-record points tally in the Premier League.

"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to make a further commitment to Everton," Martinez told the club's official website. "I loved my first season at the club. I could not be more proud of the way Everton performed throughout the entire season and the memories we were able to make together.

"I am really excited about next season. I knew from the moment I arrived at Everton that this was a special place and I'd like to thank everyone associated with the club, the board, all the staff, the players and our brilliant supporters for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to build on the traditions and success of this great club."

Martinez guided Everton back into European competition for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign and chairman Bill Kenwright believes the club have one of the best young managers in the game.

Kenwright said: "In many commentators' eyes, Roberto Martinez is the best young manager in Europe. We agree. He took on an unfamiliar challenge for most managers; to take something really good and make it even better.

"He has succeeded. In his debut season he broke our Premier League record points haul, got us back into Europe and developed some of the most exciting young footballers in the game. He conducts himself off the pitch in the same way. He undertakes his business with great style, confidence, positivity and class. He is an Everton man.

"There is no magical ingredient to what we do at Everton. We're a football club and we recognise the fundamental importance of our manager."